Engineering graduates of 92/93 Batch supported by Sri Lanka Navy constructed the facility within 50 days
Responding at a time of crisis, the Engineering Association of Group 92/93 of the University of Moratuwa (UoM) having identified the need of the hour, managed to raise sufficient funds to construct a new two storey building complex for the National Institute of Infectious Diseases Center, Angoda (IDH) to facilitate a CT Scanning machine which was allocated to them by the Ministry of Health.
The new facility was declared open by Honourable Minister of Health, Nutrition and Indigenous Medicine, Pavithra Wanniarachchi on the 4th June 2020. The machine which is used in the critical diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19, enables the doctors to make ideal decisions of great consequence in an effective manner for the betterment of the patients.
Accepting the request and proposal submitted by IDH Consultant Physician Dr. Ananda Wijewickrama, the 92/93 Engineering batch of UOM readily agreed to construct the fully-furnished 3400 sqft building worth more than LKR 30 million.
Amidst the difficulties and hardships of the pandemic, the SL Navy team joined hands and provided an unwavering support to the project by working around the clock to complete the project in a mere 50 days. From all parts of the world, members of the Engineering Association 92/93, driven by their passion for the motherland worked tirelessly to create awareness on the noble project and were successful in raising the necessary funds within 40 days.
His Excellency Gotabhaya Rajapakse, the President of Sri Lanka expressing his gratitude at the ceremony, lauded the 92/93 Engineering Batch of UOM for identifying the social responsibility at this challenging time and delivering a fully functional building complex to further the COVID-19 diagnosis. He also commended the Sri Lanka Navy for rising to the occasion to accomplish the great task. He also took the opportunity to praise the great service rendered by the IDH staff throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
Speaking at the ceremony, Hon. Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi mentioned that the University of Moratuwa is one of the best universities in Sri Lanka widely recognised all over the world and offered her gratitude to the UOM 92/93 batch for taking the responsibility to build the facility at this critical time. She also praised the tri forces along with SL Navy for their exceptional support throughout the pandemic and the IDH staff for delivering a great and exemplary service.
Addressing the gathering, the President of 92/93 Engineers mentioned that the membership is truly honoured and humbled to have fulfilled this timely need. Vice Chancellor of University of Moratuwa, Professor Kapila Perera, Secretary to the Health Minister, Major General Dr. Sanjeewa Munasinghe, Director General of Health Services, Dr. Anil Jasinghe, Chief of Staff Sri Lanka Navy, Rear Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenna were among the distinguished guests present at the Opening Ceremony.
ENGINEERING ASSOCIATION OF GROUP 92/93 is a group of engineers, who graduated from the University of Moratuwa in 1998 – (A/L 1991). As products of the Free Education System of Sri Lanka, they engage in many community service projects and the above project is deemed as the largest project undertaken by them thus far.